Urology Tests in Hyderabad

Advanced Urological Diagnostic Tests

Laboratory Tests (Urine & Blood Analysis)

Urine Culture

It is a laboratory examination of urine that examines the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast. The term culture is defined as growing microorganisms in a laboratory by providing them with growth promoters in the urine sample. This procedure is used to check for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). Diabetic patients, kidney disease, and regular intercourse (especially with new partners) need to have a regular urine culture test as a part of UTI screening, as these populations are at high risk of UTI.

Complete Urine Examination (CUE)

A complete urine examination (CUE), also termed a urinalysis, is a diagnostic tool in urology that examines urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic properties. It starts with visual inspection for colour and clarity, followed by dipstick testing to find the presence of abnormalities in urine, such as glucose, protein, blood, or leukocytes. Microscopic analysis examines the sediment for cells, crystals, and casts. This thorough evaluation of urine helps diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney diseases, and metabolic disorders. Abnormalities in urine composition can indicate underlying health issues, indicating further diagnostic steps.

Prostate-specific Antigen Test

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein obtained from both normal and cancer cells of the prostate. The PSA test is used to measure the PSA protein levels in the blood sample. In the case of prostate cancer, there will be increased levels of PSA protein in the blood. In addition to prostate cancer, prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia are the conditions where there will be an increase in PSA levels.

Imaging Studies

Kidney Ultrasound

It is a non-invasive diagnostic exam that visualizes the blood flow, shape, size and location of the kidneys. The f will be placing an ultrasound transducer on the skin that emits high-frequency ultrasound waves that move through the kidney. These ultrasound waves produce images of the kidney that are presented to the computer. This test is used to diagnose the presence of cysts, obstructions, abscesses, stones and infections of the kidney. In addition, it is indicated after a kidney transplant to evaluate the transplanted kidney.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

It is an imaging test that is used to diagnose problems related to the kidneys or ureters. During this procedure, the radiologists inject an intravenous contrast dye that passes from the kidney into the bladder through the ureter. The X-ray images aid in locating any blockages in the kidneys and ureters as the dye passes through. This procedure is used to diagnose kidney diseases, prostate enlargement, bladder stones, urinary tract injury, and tumors.

Renal scan

It is also known as renal scintigraphy, where the kidneys can be visualized with the help of nuclear radioactive material (radioisotope) that will be inserted into the vein (hand or arm). The images of the kidney can be created when the scanner detects the gamma rays released from the radioisotope. This test can be used to examine the size, shape and structure of the kidney. In addition, it is used to identify and evaluate the reduced flow of blood to the kidneys, high blood pressure in real arteries, kidney diseases, success or rejection of kidney transplant, renal abscesses, tumors, kidney inflammation due to infections, urine backflow from the bladder to the kidney and kidney failure.

CT KUB (Computed Tomography – Kidney, Ureter, Bladder)

CT KUB is a highly accurate imaging test that visualises the kidneys, ureters, and bladder in detail. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing urinary stones, as it can precisely detect stone size, location, and associated obstruction. CT KUB also helps in identifying hydronephrosis, anatomical abnormalities, and complications related to calculus (stone).

MRI Prostate

Magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate provides high-resolution images of prostate anatomy and surrounding tissues. It helps detect areas that may represent clinically significant prostate cancer and distinguishes aggressive disease from benign conditions. 

Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging test used to evaluate the anatomy and function of the bladder and urethra during urination. It is most frequently used to detect conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux, urethral strictures, and urethral abnormalities such as posterior urethral valves or strictures. This test is useful in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, or suspected voiding dysfunction, and it plays an important role in paediatric urology.

Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)

TRUS involves placing an ultrasound probe into the rectum to obtain detailed images of the prostate gland. It helps to determine prostate size, shape, and internal structure, which is important in diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. This test is commonly utilised to guide prostate biopsy and evaluate elevated PSA levels.

Antegrade Pyelogram

It is an imaging test that is used to locate the upper urinary tract blockages that include the kidney, bladder, and ureters. During this procedure, the radiologists inject contrast dye through a needle, which will be placed through the flank area of the back. The radiologists observe the contrast dye movement from the kidney into the ureter and bladder with the help of X-ray images. The X-ray images aid in locating any blockages in the kidneys and ureters as the dye passes through. This procedure is used to locate the urinary tract blockage caused by kidney stones, tumors, blood clots, and strictures (narrowing of the ureter).

For comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning, we utilize the most advanced imaging systems including:

• Choline C-11 PET scan for prostate cancer: It is an advanced imaging technique that helps to detect early-stage prostate cancer with high precision by highlighting areas of abnormal metabolic activity, even in low PSA levels.
• PSMA PET scan for prostate cancer: This sophisticated imaging tool focuses on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), producing high-resolution pictures that allow for earlier identification of cancer, recurrence, and metastasis while outperforming conventional imaging approaches.
• Renal Angiogram: A specialized diagnostic procedure used to evaluate blood vessels in the kidneys. This test is helpful for diagnosing conditions like renal artery stenosis, vascular kidney diseases, and to assess the feasibility of kidney transplantation.
  

Endoscopic / Direct Visualization

Cystoscopy
It is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that visualizes the bladder or urethra using a camera known as a cystoscope, which will be inserted into the urethra and pass into the bladder. Flexible cystoscopy and rigid cystoscopy are the two types of cystoscopy. Flexible cystoscopy is used to view the bladder, whereas a rigid can be indicated for therapeutic applications, too. Cystoscopy is indicated to check for blood in urine, frequent urinary tract infections, chronic pelvic pain, difficulty in urinating, and collection of tissue (biopsy) samples to diagnose bladder cancer. Urinary tract infection and unable to pass urine after the procedure are the associated risks of cystoscopy.

Ureteroscopy
It is a procedure that is used to diagnose and treat ureter stones. This procedure is done by inserting a ureteroscope (a flexible tube). The ureteroscope consists of an eyepiece and a lens into the bladder through the urethra and up to the ureter to view, locate and remove the stone. Infections, injury and bleeding to the ureters are the risks associated with ureteroscopy.

Prostate Biopsy
A prostate biopsy is a diagnostic procedure carried out to sample prostate tissue for analysis, typically to find out the presence of prostate cancer or other abnormalities. The method is often recommended when a patient has abnormal results on a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, digital rectal examination (DRE), or imaging studies like MRI.

Bladder BIopsy
A bladder biopsy is a diagnostic procedure where a small tissue sample is taken from the bladder lining (mucosa) for examination. It is typically performed using a cystoscope. A bladder biopsy is needed when suspicious findings, such as abnormal growths, ulcers, or areas of inflammation, occur during a cystoscopy.

Kidney Biopsy
A kidney biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that involves collecting a small piece of kidney tissue in order to view it under a microscope for indications of kidney damage or injury. In addition to this, kidney biopsy is indicated in the development of treatment plans based on the patient's condition to determine the kidney disease progression, extent of kidney damage, evaluation of prescribed treatment for kidney disease, and monitoring of transplanted kidney, which is failed to perform normal functions.

Functional / Urodynamic Tests

Urodynamic Testing

Urodynamic study (UDS) is diagnostic procedure that assesses the functionality of the bladder, sphincters, and urethra that stores and releases urine. This test diagnoses patients with urinary incontinence and measures nerve function, muscle function, bladder pressure, and urine flow rates. The test is indicated if the patient is suffering from urine leakage, pain while urinating, difficulty passing urine, frequent washroom visits, urinary tract infections, or unable to empty the bladder completely. 

Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a simple, non-invasive test that measures how fast and how much urine flows during urination. By analysing the urine flow rate and pattern, doctors can identify abnormalities such as a weak stream, interrupted flow, or prolonged voiding time. These findings help diagnose conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stricture, bladder outlet obstruction, and neurogenic bladder disorders.

Post-Void Residual (PVR) Measurement

Post-void residual urine measurement determines the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination, usually using an ultrasound. A high residual volume indicates that the bladder is not emptying completely. This can happen due to prostate enlargement, weak bladder muscles, nerve damage from conditions like diabetes or spinal disorders, or a blockage in the urethra.

Kidney Function Tests (KFTs)

Proper kidney function is essential for overall health, and early detection of kidney problems is key to preventing serious damage. Our laboratory offers advanced kidney function tests, including:

• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test is used to assess kidney function by measuring how well kidneys filter blood. This test checks the rate at which kidneys remove waste and excess water from the bloodstream, a key function of the kidneys. If kidney disease is present, the filtration rate will be slower than normal. Healthcare providers usually estimate the GFR (called eGFR) based on blood test results that measure creatinine levels, a waste product from muscle metabolism. Since creatinine levels can vary with factors such as size, age, and activity, eGFR is also calculated using additional information such as age, weight, height, and sex.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): A BUN, or blood urea nitrogen test, determines the amount of urea nitrogen in the bloodstream. Urea nitrogen is a waste product produced when your body breaks down proteins. It travels through the bloodstream before being eliminated by the kidneys when a person urinates.
  
  

These tests provide detailed information on kidney health, allowing us to more effectively manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other renal diseases.

Specialized Functional Urological Tests

For individuals who need more specific examinations, we provide the following specialty testing:

• Retrograde Urethrogram (RUG): It is the gold-standard imaging technique for the diagnosis of anterior urethral stricture disease (aUSD). This specialized diagnostic tool is used for evaluating urethral strictures or obstructions. It comprises injecting contrast material into the urethra and producing X-ray images that clearly show any obstructions or constriction within the tube.